Peristaltic pump

ABSTRACT

A peristaltic pump for pumping, controlling flow, and siphoning fluid. The pump draws fluid through a tube by using rollers and releases pressure from the tube to form a siphon by opening a bypass door. A rotatable cap provides strength, the ability to rapidly change tubing, as well as locking the bypass door in place for various modes of operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/317,311 filed on Mar. 7, 2022. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND

Pumps and siphons are commonly utilized for transferring fluids from onelocation to another location. Typically, these devices comprise atubular structure, where a first end of the tubular structure is placedinto a body of fluid, while the second end of the tubular structure isplaced in a targeted area to receive the fluid. For siphons, when thevertical height of the intake body is greater than that of the outletbody, the force of gravity will pull the fluid through the first end ofthe tubular structure outward into the second end of the tubularstructure. Alternatively, a pump may be utilized to force fluid throughthe tubular structure.

Siphons, or similar apparatuses, are utilized across a wide range oftechnological fields. For example, these structures are commonlyutilized on large scales in the chemical industry, the food and beverageindustry and in waterworks systems, as well as in small scale settingssuch as assisting individuals in plumbing or automotive tasks.

Current methods and apparatuses for initiating siphoning may beineffective or inefficient in several settings. Many devices utilizedifferential hydraulic pressure, coupled with pumps or oscillationdevices, to initiate the siphoning process. These devices typicallyrequire clear access to the surface of the fluid to be siphoned. Thus,these devices are not ideal for situations where the user lacks a clearline of sight to the fluid surface. Other devices utilize check valves,coupled with an oscillating mechanism to initiate a siphon. Thesedevices are also limited by surface access and sufficient depth of thefluid to be siphoned. Furthermore, other devices apply pressure to thevessel containing the fluid to be siphoned, resulting in an overflowthat initiates the siphon. However, these devices are ineffective insituations where the vessel is not sealed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior artreferences for an improvement to the methods and apparatuses used insiphoning processes. Ideally, the solution for this problem would allowfor siphoning to occur across multiple settings. This includes settingswhere the fluid to be siphoned may be in a non-sealed container, thefluid to be siphoned may not be directly viewable by the user. Suchsolution should be cost-effective, light in weight and provide all thebenefits of the known prior art references. Furthermore, it is an objectof the present invention to provide a closed system, to preventcontamination of the fluid to be siphoned. It is a further object of thepresent invention to provide a gentler form of siphoning, such as toprevent the disturbance of sediment or other particulate contaminants inthe container of the fluid to be siphoned. Additionally, it is a furtherobject of the present invention to provide a lightweight andstructurally strong unit through the use of a rotatable cap.

In furtherance of this solution, a peristaltic pump device capable oftransforming into a siphon is provided. The device comprises a body. Arotary pump is disposed within an internal cavity of the body. Therotary pump comprises a plurality of outer rollers. An actuator is inoperable connection with the plurality of outer rollers. A tube is inoperable connection with the plurality of outer rollers, such thatengaging the actuator creates suction within the tube in the directionthat the actuator is turned.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pumpdevice.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump devicewherein the removable bypass door is in an open position.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump devicewherein the removable bypass door is in an open position.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump devicewherein the removable bypass door is in a closed position.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump devicewherein the removable bypass door is in a closed position.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pumpdevice.

FIG. 7 shows a demonstrative, cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthe peristaltic pump device.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pumpdevice wherein an actuator is affixed thereto.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump devicewherein an actuator is affixed thereto.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the peristalticpump device wherein the outer rollers contain gear teeth thereon.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump devicewherein the outer rollers contain gear teeth thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the peristaltic pump device. The peristaltic pumpcomprises a body 19 having a base portion and a sidewall 10. In theillustrated embodiment, the body 19 defines a substantially circularhousing in which a rotary pump 25 is situated. The rotary pump 25 is inoperable connection with a tube 1 defining an opening on each endthereof for fluid to pass.

The rotary pump 25 comprises a plurality of outer rollers 6.Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump 25comprises central gear 5 meshed with a plurality of outer rollers 6.Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of outerrollers 6 are defined between an upper section 11 and a lower section14. The upper section 11 and the lower section 14 (as shown in FIG. 6 )may engage a central post 15 (as shown in FIG. 6 ) connected to the body19. In the demonstrated embodiment, the plurality of outer rollers 6comprises three rollers, however, in alternate embodiments, any numberof rollers may be utilized. In one embodiment, the rotary pump 25further comprises a cap 2. The cap 2 can act as a non-movable fixationpoint for the central post 15 (as shown in FIG. 6 ), such as to maintainthe positioning of both the central gear 5 and the plurality of outerrollers 6. The cap 2 may be rotatable relative to the body 19, such asto enable loading and unloading of the tube 1 from the device. The cap 2has a channel 26 (as shown in FIG. 6 ) that engages a lip 8 of the body19 to allow rotation of the cap 2 to form a retention profile. The cap 2may be rotated to a closed position as shown in FIG. 1 , thereby lockingthe removable bypass door 13 in place, or in an open position as shownin FIG. 2 to allow opening or removal of the bypass door 13 so as totransition from pumping to siphoning. The removal of the bypass door 13is not defined as losing all physical contact with the body 19 orsidewall 10 thereof, but rather that it is removed from the pressuresystem by pivoting, rotating, or otherwise releasing pressure from theouter rollers 6 and tube 1. In an alternate embodiment the bypass door13 may be detached from the body 19 or associated sidewall 10 wherein itis not in physical contact with either. In the depicted embodiment anyarrangement of outer rollers 6 may be utilized so long as not more thanone roller is engaging the tube 1 when the primary roller is alignedwith the removable bypass door 13. In this manner, when a single rolleris positioned at the removable bypass door 13, all pressure may berelieved from the tube 1 when the removable bypass door 13 is opened.The single roller applying pressure to the tube 1 against the removablebypass door 13 can be further utilized as a valve, wherein fluid canflow when the door is open but is restricted when the door is closed.The same can be accomplished by moving an outer roller 6 to any part ofthe body 19 so as to restrict flow regardless of whether the removablebypass door 13 is open or closed. In alternate embodiments any number ofdoors may be utilized with a corresponding number of rollers applyingpressure to the tube 1 against the body 19 or door(s). In a furtherembodiment the sidewall 10 may be continuous without a bypass door.Furthermore, while depictions are made showing a single tube 1, anynumber of tubes may be used so long as the sum of their compresseddiameters is no larger than the length of the outer rollers 6 asmeasured from the roller end nearest the body 19 to the roller endnearest the cap 2.

An actuator 4 is in operable connection with the plurality of outerrollers 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 4 is amanually-operated crank. Various actuators are conceived including inalternate embodiments where rotation of the plurality of outer rollers 6is accomplished by other mechanical means such as a motor. When theactuator 4 is engaged by the user, the siphoning or pumping process willbe engaged in the tube 1. As such, the user has direct control over thesuction or siphon force generated by the plurality of outer rollers 6.The actuator 4 is bidirectional, such that pumping in forward andreverse is enabled. In some embodiments, a pair of tubing brackets 3 aredisposed on the body 19. The pair of tubing brackets 3 are configured toremovably receive the ends of the tube 1 therein for providing enhancedstability and alignment of the tube 1 as well as aiding in inserting andremoving the tube 1. The tubing brackets 3 are of any suitable structurefor securing the ends of the tube 1. For example, the tubing brackets 3may be clamps, snaps, swings, straps, press fit brackets or similarattachments. The tubing brackets 3 may be interchangeable with othertubing bracket configurations via screws, snap fits, dovetails or anysuitable fastening structure.

In some embodiments, one or more mounting features 12 may be disposed onthe body 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting features 12comprises a pair of slots. The pair of slots are configured to receive astrap therebetween. As such, a user may secure the pump to his or herhand via the strap. In further embodiments, the body 19 may comprise oneor more finger grips 9 therein. The finger grips 9 are configured toassist the user with comfortably holding the body 19 of the device whenusing the device.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 , there are shown a top view and a sideview, respectively, of the peristaltic pump device wherein the removablebypass door 13 is in an open position. In the illustrated embodiment,the removable bypass door 13 forms a section of the sidewall 10. Theremovable bypass door 13 is movable between an open position (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ) and a closed position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Theremovable bypass door 13 is configured to release pressure on the tube 1when placed into the open position, such that free flow of fluidsthrough the tube 1 may be allowed when the removable bypass door 13 isopened and an outer roller 6 is aligned with it or otherwise notapplying pressure against the body 19. In the illustrated embodiment,the removable bypass door 13 is affixed to the body 19 via a hinge 17.Specifically, the hinge 17 in the illustrated embodiment is a snap fithinge that is engaged with a corresponding recess formed on the body 19.Alternatively, the removable bypass door 13 may be secured by anysuitable means, such as an external hinge, a molded pin, a pressed pin,a magnetic fixturing structure or the like. Furthermore, in someembodiments, a plurality of removable bypass doors 13 may be placed onthe body 19 thereby forming sections of the sidewall 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 , there are shown a top view and a sideview, respectively, of the peristaltic pump device wherein the removablebypass door 13 is in a closed position. The closed position of theremovable bypass door 13 is defined where the removable bypass door 13is locked into place with the body 19 and conforms to the shape of thebody 19 thus providing a continuous surface. Furthermore the removablebypass door 13 has a matching lip 8 to engage the cap 2. In someembodiments, the removable bypass door 13 may be removably securable inthe closed position via rotation of a cap 2 defined by the body 19 solong as the cap 2 is wider than the removable bypass door 13.Alternatively, the removable bypass door 13 may be retainable orreleasable via any suitable means, such as a translational slidingmechanism, a latch, a magnet, a cam, a pin or a wedge. Furthermore, thecap 2 itself may be securable via a retention profile defined as the lip8 and channel 26.

In embodiments where the body 19 is circular, the cap 2 may behemispheric in shape for maximum stability of the central post 15 (asshown in FIG. 6 ) or can be of any size depending on the force appliedor the strength needed to prevent deflection of the central post 15.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cap 2 defines a plurality ofindexing tabs 7. The indexing tabs 7 are configured to partiallyrestrain the cap 2 in configurations most convenient for use, such as ina closed position to lock the removable bypass door 13, an open positionto unlock the removable bypass door 13, or any suitable positiontherebetween. Furthermore, in the demonstrated embodiment, a bottomplatform is defined on the body 19, while a top platform 20 is disposedon the cap 2. The bottom platform 19 and the top platform 20 work inconjunction to vertically confine the plurality of outer rollers 6 andthe tube 1, preventing misalignment.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , there is shown an exploded view of anembodiment of the peristaltic pump device. As shown in the demonstratedembodiment, the plurality of outer rollers 6 may be toothed, whereingear teeth are disposed on the rollers outer surface. Specifically, atoothing surface 18 may be centrally defined on each roller of theplurality of outer rollers 6. The plurality of outer rollers 6 may betoothed in any pattern, such as a herringbone pattern, suitable forengaging the tube 1. Alternatively, the toothing 18 may include standardstraight gear teeth or single angle gear teeth. By providing toothing 18that applies variable pressure to the tube 1, reduced energy is requiredto operate the pump while increasing the lifespan of the tube 1.Furthermore, the toothing 18 assists with maintaining the centralorientation of the plurality of outer rollers 6 relative to the tube 1.The lower section 14 of the frame has a plurality of posts 23 risingfrom it that form an axel for the corresponding outer rollers 6 torotate on. The posts 23 receive the outer rollers 6 and allow them torotate freely while also providing attachment means for the uppersection 11 of the frame to be attached to the lower frame 14 withfasteners 22. While the illustrated embodiment shows posts 23 risingfrom the lower frame 14 and fasteners 22 coming through the upper frame11, the opposite can be done to achieve the same result, wherein theposts 23 come down from the upper frame 11 and fasteners 22 go upthrough the lower frame 14. A further embodiment of the inventionincludes only one of the upper or lower frame as shown in FIG. 6 wherebythe in the present embodiment the upper frame 11 would be removed andthe fasteners 22 would attach the outer rollers 6 to the posts 23. Thesame can be contemplated whereby the lower frame 14 is removed and theupper frame 14 has posts 23 for receiving the outer rollers 6 andfasteners 22.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , there is shown a demonstrative,cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump devicewherein the tube 1 is being compressed between the removable bypass door13 and the outer rollers 6. The tube 1 is made of a flexible material,such as to enable suction when the tube 1 is engaged by the plurality ofouter rollers 6.

A further benefit of the outer rollers 6 having teeth 18 is to allow thetube 1 to be compressed in a variable way. The placement of the teeth 18allows areas at the outside of the tube 1 that experience the mostdeformation to be compressed to a different quantity than thecompression experienced by areas of the tube 1 that are less deformed.Providing variable levels of compression, also known as occlusion, onthe tube 1 promotes reduced energy required to operate the pump andincreases the tube 1 lifecycle. Design of the tooth 18 feature may be inthe form of a herringbone pattern as demonstrated on the outer roller 6of FIG. 1 . If the herringbone pattern is oriented in the correctdirection of rotation, the tooth 18 pattern of the outer roller 6 willmodestly improve central orientation of the tube 1 on the outer roller 6during operation. In the instance of FIG. 1 , ideal orientation ispromoted when the actuator 4 is rotated clockwise, whereby fluid isdrawn in from the left side of the tube 1 and exits out of the rightside of the tube 1 when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 1 . The useof a herringbone pattern also promotes central alignment of the outerrollers 6 with the central gear 5. Other embodiments of the outer roller6 include standard straight gear teeth 18, or single angle gear teeth.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a perspective view and topview, respectively, of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump devicewherein an actuator 4 is affixed thereto. In the illustrated embodimentthe pump assembly 24 operates without a central gear, wherein theactuator 4 is statically affixed to the upper section 11 of the frame ,thereby negating the need for gear teeth on the outer rollers 6. In afurther embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 there is shown aperspective view and top view, respectively, of an embodiment of theperistaltic pump device wherein the outer rollers 6 contain gear teeth18 thereon. In the illustrated embodiment the pump assembly 25 iswithout a central gear but with the outer rollers 6 having gear teeth 18to aid in alignment of and pressure distribution on the tube 1. While aherringbone gear pattern is shown, any type of gear pattern or any typeof protuberances or recesses on the surface of the outer rollers 6 maybe used to accomplish the same alignment and pressure distribution.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the present invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe present invention and various embodiments with various modificationsas are suited to the particular use contemplated.

I claim:
 1. A peristaltic pump, comprising: a body having a sidewall; arotary pump disposed in the body; the rotary pump comprising a pluralityof rollers disposed on a frame that rotates about a central post; therotary pump comprising an actuator in operable connection with theplurality of outer rollers; a tube in operable connection with theplurality of outer rollers, such that engaging the actuator createssuction within the tube; and wherein a section of the sidewall is aremovable bypass door.
 2. The peristaltic pump of claim 1, wherein theremovable bypass door can be fixed in an open or closed position tocontrol the flow of a fluid through the tube.
 3. The peristaltic pump ofclaim 1, wherein the frame comprises an upper and lower section joinedby a plurality of posts, wherein the posts form an axel for which theouter rollers rotate thereon; and wherein the actuator is affixed to theupper or lower section of the frame to rotate the rotary pump.
 4. Theperistaltic pump of claim 1, wherein the rotary pump has the centralpost for receiving a central gear; wherein the outer rollers have gearteeth thereon; and wherein the central gear is in meshed contact withthe gear teeth on the plurality of outer rollers.
 5. The peristalticpump of claim 1, wherein the removable bypass door is removably securedin the closed position by a cap; and wherein the cap is secured to thesidewall of the body by a retention profile that allows the cap torotate.
 6. The peristaltic pump of claim 1, wherein each roller of theplurality of rollers are toothed in a herringbone pattern.
 7. Aperistaltic pump, comprising: the body having a sidewall; the rotarypump disposed in the body; the rotary pump comprising the plurality ofouter rollers disposed on a frame that rotates about the central post;the tube in operable connection with the plurality of outer rollers,such that engaging the actuator creates suction within the tube; and thecap rotatably attached to the sidewall of the body.
 8. The peristalticpump of claim 7, wherein the section of the sidewall is a removablebypass door, and wherein the removable bypass door can be fixed in anopen or closed position by rotating the cap.
 9. The peristaltic pump ofclaim 7, wherein the frame comprises an upper and lower section joinedby the plurality of posts, wherein the posts form an axel that the outerrollers rotate thereon; and wherein the actuator is affixed to the upperor lower section of the frame to rotate the rotary pump.
 10. Theperistaltic pump of claim 7, wherein the rotary pump has the centralpost for receiving the central gear; wherein the outer rollers have gearteeth thereon; and wherein the central gear is in meshed contact withthe gear teeth on the plurality of outer rollers.
 11. The peristalticpump of claim 7, wherein each roller of the plurality of outer rollersare toothed in the herringbone pattern.
 12. A peristaltic pump,comprising: the body having a sidewall; the rotary pump disposed in thebody; the rotary pump comprising the plurality of outer rollers disposedon the frame; the rotary pump comprising the actuator in operableconnection with the plurality of outer rollers; and the tube in operableconnection with the plurality of outer rollers, such that engaging theactuator creates suction within the tube.
 13. The peristaltic pump ofclaim 12, wherein the frame comprises the upper section and the lowersection joined together by the plurality of posts.
 14. The peristalticpump of claim 12, wherein the rotary pump comprises the central gearmeshed with the plurality of outer rollers.
 15. The peristaltic pump ofclaim 12, wherein the central gear is affixed to the actuator.
 16. Theperistaltic pump of claim 12, wherein the section of the sidewall is theremovable bypass door.
 17. The peristaltic pump of claim 12, wherein theremovable bypass door is removably securable in the closed positionthrough rotation of the cap; and wherein the cap is securable via aretention profile defined between the cap and the sidewall of the body.18. The peristaltic pump of claim 12, wherein each roller of theplurality of rollers is toothed.
 19. The peristaltic pump of claim 12,wherein the cap is disposed on the top surface thereof, wherein the capis rotatable relative to the body.